After the minutes of the previous meeting were accepted, it was confirmed that as a result of the Access Exhibition, the Arcade Cafe had brought out large print menus and the Angel Lane Chip Shop were planning for a portable ramp. In another development, Dave Kitson, the electrical shop on Great Dockray, had installed a ramp into the existing step. Some members of the group were disappointed with the press coverage of the event. It was decided that the chairman would contact Tanni Grey-Thompson at a later date if the Forum decides another event is merited and worked out.
After Ray told the Forum of the details required by Capita for improvements to Pelican crossings, Shirley Grisedale offered to provide such information, and Ray would set up a meeting with Capita.
The Warehouse has been shortlisted to be surveyed in the ‘Pubs and Restaurants’ Guide with an emphasis on the first floor access.
Ray and representatives of Capita met with Pategill residents to decide on locations for drop kerbs. A final costed list will be forwarded when complete.
A meeting of the DES reference group took place on Monday April 28 for the first review. It was accepted, apart from an item on ‘Accomodation Review’ and has been published on the council website.
Ray told the Forum he had surveyed 25 properties in Alston and these results will be added to the ‘comparative report’ with some mention of the difficulty of access because of the hilly terrain. He also confirmed Patrica Bell had been informed of the Forums decision regarding the Mobility Scooter/Wheelchair Users group. Together with Greg Sadler, he had agreed a basic survey and shortlist for the ‘Pubs and Restaurants’ Guide’. It was suggested, and accepted, that the Co-op be included, and Ray was hoping to complete these within the next month.
Terry Barritt reported on the exhibition of the planned Booths supermarket at Bowmans Carpet Showroom, and felt the plans were good, except for a possible shortage of disabled car parking.
Ray showed members planning applications at Tebay, Clifton and Tirril. He will forward the Forums comments to the relevant planning case officer. Members raised concerns about access to new holiday homes in Lazonby and Whitbarrow. Ray has queried these with the Council Building Control Officers. In his last report as Access Officer, Ray outlined the work that had been achieved with the ‘disability access grants’ and expressed regret that this fund had been axed. He went on to outline how his post might be replaced, and told members of his recent meeting with Sir Bert Massey, the former chairman of the Disability Rights Commission, who clearly preferred an ‘Access Officer’ post being retained in local authorities. Ray outlined the pressures faced by local authorities to cover all aspects of equality, but would agree with Sir Bert Massey on this issue. The Forum expressed a very strong preference for the position to remain unchanged, and the Chairman undertook to write a strong letter to the council to state this. This letter has been sent by email.
Ray confirmed 24 members and friends were booked on the Lady Wakefield for the 18th of June, with transport arrangements to be finalised.
Terry Barritt then raised the issue of access into the Halifax, and the apparent reluctance of staff to consider a portable ramp. Ray outlined past discussions he had had with the Halifax regarding the matter.
The next meeting of the Forum will be August 5th.
Wednesday, 25 June 2008
May Meeting
After the February minutes were accepted, the chairman gave a review of the exhibition and outlined some positive outcomes, including that the landlord of the Woolpack had asked about highlighting internal steps and the Arcade Cafe now planned to produce some large print menus. It was agreed it was also a useful networking opportunity. It was suggested, and agreed, that any future events be delayed while a better advertising strategy was created. The chairman suggested contacting Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson for a future event.
Ray requested that members let him know of any drop kerbs they think are required. He would meet with Ivy Wilkinson to assess requirements at Pategill estate. After Shirley Grisedale highlighted problems with Pelican crossings and knowing when cars have stopped, a meeting with Capita was suggested. Maintainence of footpaths, such as outside the Co-op and the Shell Garage, was raised as a problem which needs to be addressed.
Prior to a DES Reference Group meeting in April, Ray stated that most objectives were on target, the three main town surveys were complete ahead of schedule and Alston would be surveyed in May. A Forum sub-committee had completed impact assessments of the high priority Council policies and strategies and would monitor and quality assess in the future. Of the 18 objectives, most were progressing satisfactorily, and the review would be published on the council website. It was agreed Ray, Greg and Terry would look to complete the Alston survey in May.
Attention turned to the Mobility Scooter/Wheelchair Users Group, and after discussion, it was decided any further meetings would be arranged only if there was an issue specific to that group. Some members had already joined the Forum which it was felt could deal with most of the relevant issues. Members would be informed.
Ray agreed to devise a survey for the ‘Pubs and Restaurants’ Guide, based on ‘disabledgo’ surveys, and confirm the database was comprehensive. A sub-group would discuss this on May 1st. He also confirmed, with Doreen, that the Lazonby railway station ramp is completed. Northern Rail have confirmed a ‘hand over’ will take place, and will inform the Forum of any plans for publicity.
It was then agreed Terry Barritt would attend an exhibition of plans for a Booths food store at Bowmans Carpets and report back to the Forum on his findings.
In his report, Ray Beare informed the Forum that several grant offers had been cancelled and re-allocated to provide induction loops in a number of churches and also a stairlift in Nenthead Village Hall. He is also discussing a grant with Gossipgate Gallery, Alston, for a wheelchair accessible WC. Ray went on to inform the Forum he will be leaving the Council at the end of July.
The Forum event on the Lady Wakefield was next on the agenda, with Ray confirming Council funding for members of the Forum, with an initial budget for 15 people, but Ray acknowledged this may need to be revised.
Terry Barritt raised the issue of access to the Halifax, and after discussion, it was agreed a more direct approach should be adopted in this case, and also with the Warehouse. Access to Penrith Building Society is under discussion with that business. The heavy doors at the rear of Woolworths were mentioned and it was suggested an approach be made with a view to installing automatic doors.
As the meeting concluded, the date of 3rd June was announced for the next meeting.
Ray requested that members let him know of any drop kerbs they think are required. He would meet with Ivy Wilkinson to assess requirements at Pategill estate. After Shirley Grisedale highlighted problems with Pelican crossings and knowing when cars have stopped, a meeting with Capita was suggested. Maintainence of footpaths, such as outside the Co-op and the Shell Garage, was raised as a problem which needs to be addressed.
Prior to a DES Reference Group meeting in April, Ray stated that most objectives were on target, the three main town surveys were complete ahead of schedule and Alston would be surveyed in May. A Forum sub-committee had completed impact assessments of the high priority Council policies and strategies and would monitor and quality assess in the future. Of the 18 objectives, most were progressing satisfactorily, and the review would be published on the council website. It was agreed Ray, Greg and Terry would look to complete the Alston survey in May.
Attention turned to the Mobility Scooter/Wheelchair Users Group, and after discussion, it was decided any further meetings would be arranged only if there was an issue specific to that group. Some members had already joined the Forum which it was felt could deal with most of the relevant issues. Members would be informed.
Ray agreed to devise a survey for the ‘Pubs and Restaurants’ Guide, based on ‘disabledgo’ surveys, and confirm the database was comprehensive. A sub-group would discuss this on May 1st. He also confirmed, with Doreen, that the Lazonby railway station ramp is completed. Northern Rail have confirmed a ‘hand over’ will take place, and will inform the Forum of any plans for publicity.
It was then agreed Terry Barritt would attend an exhibition of plans for a Booths food store at Bowmans Carpets and report back to the Forum on his findings.
In his report, Ray Beare informed the Forum that several grant offers had been cancelled and re-allocated to provide induction loops in a number of churches and also a stairlift in Nenthead Village Hall. He is also discussing a grant with Gossipgate Gallery, Alston, for a wheelchair accessible WC. Ray went on to inform the Forum he will be leaving the Council at the end of July.
The Forum event on the Lady Wakefield was next on the agenda, with Ray confirming Council funding for members of the Forum, with an initial budget for 15 people, but Ray acknowledged this may need to be revised.
Terry Barritt raised the issue of access to the Halifax, and after discussion, it was agreed a more direct approach should be adopted in this case, and also with the Warehouse. Access to Penrith Building Society is under discussion with that business. The heavy doors at the rear of Woolworths were mentioned and it was suggested an approach be made with a view to installing automatic doors.
As the meeting concluded, the date of 3rd June was announced for the next meeting.
Monday, 25 February 2008
ACCESS EXHIBITION
Eden Access For All Forum are hosting an exhibition on Tuesday, March 4th, at the St Andrews Parish Rooms. Together with a number of local disability organisations, we are looking to address some of the simple, quick and easy ways business owners can make their businesses more accessible to a wide range of disabled people, such as wheelchair users, visually and hearing impaired. There will be photographic and written presentations to demonstrate that making places such as shops and cafes need not be as expensive as you might think. There will also be an oppurtunity for people to discuss the specific needs of their business, as well as the specific needs of disabled people. It promises to be a very interesting and potentially important day for disability issues in Eden and everyone is welcome, and encouraged, to attend.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)